Rockit Reviews

[HY]

Great pic, Star! Wonderful Marty Moment for you.

Deb, sorry - I was way in the back during the show, and couldn't hear everything.

[stephanie333]

I remember him saying that he had known him since they were nine yrs. old, and that he was kind of like the 5th member of the band. He said that the cool thing about the night was that there were so many people that came out that knew Craig from when they were little , or had met him later in life and that it didn't surprise him because Craig was the kind of guy who kept in contact with everyone. He also said if you didn't know Craig you would have liked him, everyone did.

That's what I remember anyway, it may not be 100% accurate. How nice of you to do something for them.

[HY]

Steph, you're right, I do remember some of that now.

I remember the part about knowing him since they were 9, and being the 5th member of the band.

[starcrossed]

I was near Debbie...I remember that Marty did say all that. He talked about staying over Craig's house and all the great times that they had. I just don't recall his exact words. I was having such a great time...it was so much to take in.

[starcrossed]

I saved one more...

[cfbj01]

Thanks Stephanie, Lisa and STAR for all the great pics

[IWOmusic]

Thank you Stephanie and Lisa for sharing, Star - great shot!!!

[BBE]

We spent a couple days in Chicago last week to go to the Craig Rife benefit show, and then do the tourist thing a bit the next day. Several things stand out the most for me about this trip.

Spending time talking and hanging out with such good friends. Lisa, Star, Nef, Karen "Rocks The Lake"!, Mar, Liz H., Mr. and Mrs. Casey, Kim, Dan, TBone, and some cool guys named Marty, Billy, Bobby, and Dino. I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention people (e.t.a.--like IWO! Sorry!), so please forgive my mental lapse.

Dino cried during "Bulletholes". First he pulled his hair over his face, then he put his head down. Soon he was wiping away tears, but he somehow kept playing--that took guts. I had been fighting back tears myself since this was the first time I'd heard them play that song since my sisters died. I was thinking of them, as well as how sad the guys must be feeling over the loss of their friend. When I saw Dino crying, that was it for me--my own tears spilled over, and I let the emotional power of the song and their performance wash through me.

That was a profoundly moving moment, and from the least expected of them. Bobby's face started to show the strain, too. It was obvious that he was feeling the moment.

I was amazed that Marty was able to keep it together while singing that song. It seemed like what he did was--he opened his heart and soul, and offered them up like an open book toward heaven. Somehow, by doing that, he was able to cry from within, rather than doing it outwardly and becoming unable to sing. It felt like a very pure, strong message going directly from his heart to heaven for his friend.
The entire performance of that song was so powerful and moving, I'm thankful that I got to experience it fully. It was healing on a very deep level.

I didn't shoot photos during their performance--it just felt too uncomfortable for me to do that this time. I didn't even bring my main camera, just a little disposable one to take photos with friends after the show, and of the auction items. So I'm capturing it with words instead.

The vibe of this entire show was a mixture of loving, respectful, and ultimately an appreciation for their friend's life. I got caught up in the music, and carried along by it. I don't remember the set list, I just experienced it like breathing.

Finally, on Friday, we went to a museum, and then to the beach at Oak Street. We stood there for a couple hours, with the breakers crashing at our feet, the seagulls flying around our heads, and the setting sun turning everything orange, red, and purple. I think there must be no other city in the world where you can stand just feet away from the heart of downtown, and not even hear the traffic because it's drowned out by the sound of the surf crashing on the shore. A very deep feeling of peacefulness came over me. Sigh......I didn't want to leave.

Thank you, Lovehammers, for this show, and for your good hearts that inspired you to help your friend's family.
And Marty, if you read this, thank you for being sure to point something out to me before the show. It meant so much to me to see that again, and the fact you did that on this occasion was especially touching for me. My heart is still smiling because of that. You really are a treasure!

[IWOmusic]

Wow Nancy! it was beautifully said...I have no words to say...just tears
in my eyes...thank you for writing this

[HY]

Nancy, that was absolutely beautiful. I was in the back during the show and couldn't see the emotion the guys were showing, but you definitely heard it in Marty's voice. I hope this show provided some closure for them.

[greeneyes]

I'm touched and wasn't even there. Thanks for the visual, everyone. Glad to see the hat made an appearance. Ooops, am I allowed to squee in here?

[Kari]

GE of course your allowed to sqee in here. I also saw Dino crying, he's got a big heart.

Please remember that this was supposed to be a celebration of Craig's life too. To remember what made him so special. To have all those people show up to honor Craig and see LH was an absolute tribute to what he brought to the world. Yes it was hard for them because they knew him personally but they also did it to help the Rife family.

Thank you Stephanie333 for sharing what Marty said about Craig it was so hard to hear in there.

[HIFT]

Great review Nancy. I know that I would have been joining "the water works" if I had been there.

Thanks to everyone who shared their photos.

[Kari]

Thank you Nancy for the heartfelt review! You definitely have a big heart too!!!

[keysunset]

The reviews, the photos, the reason for it all, have been marvelous to experience via this board and all the special people who have contributed. Thank you all so much.

p.s. HY, your pottery is GORGEOUS!

[kbgirlref]

Thank you all for sharing so much of this night! I really appreciate the details.